ANAC

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), established by Law No. 11.182 of 2005, is a special autonomous agency linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports. The agency holds the regulatory and oversight authority for all national civil aviation, covering passenger and cargo air transport operations, airport infrastructure, airworthiness, professional training, and operational safety (both safety and security).

ANAC’s jurisdiction extends throughout the entire Brazilian territory and governs all civil aircraft in domestic airspace, as well as Brazilian-registered aircraft in international airspace (in accordance with the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO). Its primary responsibilities include:

• Technical and economic regulation of the air transport market.
• Granting of airport infrastructure concessions and certification of aerodromes.
• Certification of aircraft, maintenance facilities, and aviation schools.
• Ensuring the quality of air transport services and monitoring compliance with passenger rights.

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The regulatory landscape for 2026 consolidates crucial reforms focused on digitalization, bureaucracy reduction, and safety in the transport of living beings. Key updates include:

• Consolidation of New Rules for Pet Transport (Joca Standard): Following extensive national debate initiated in previous years, rules for transporting pets in the cabin and cargo hold became more rigorous and standardized across all national airlines in 2026. Requirements include full traceability (chips or location sensors), video monitoring in climate-controlled cargo compartments, and mandatory emergency veterinary support at major airport hubs.
• Digitalization of Documents and Facial Biometrics: In partnership with the Ministry of Ports and Airports and Serpro, ANAC has expanded the mandatory 100% digital biometric boarding ("Embarque + Seguro") at the country's main airports, eliminating the need for physical boarding passes and ID documents for passengers registered in the Gov.br system.
• Sustainability and Decarbonization Targets: Aligned with the national "Fuels of the Future" program, ANAC implemented 2026 oversight regarding the mandatory minimum quota of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) for domestic flights, with tariff incentives for airlines that exceed carbon neutrality targets.
• Expedited Compensation via Consumidor.gov.br: ANAC has reinforced the use of the Consumidor.gov.br platform as the official channel for the swift resolution of consumer disputes. In 2026, airlines that fail to provide prompt or preliminary solutions for flight cancellations and baggage loss are subject to progressive and immediate administrative fines applied by the agency.

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Current ANAC rules (based on Resolution No. 400) ensure tariff transparency and precisely define passenger rights regarding baggage:

### Carry-on Baggage (Mandatory Free Allowance)

• Weight Limit: Every passenger is entitled to transport at least 10 kg of carry-on baggage in the cabin free of charge.
• Dimensions: Recommended maximum dimensions to ensure secure storage in overhead bins are 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (including handles, pockets, and wheels).
• Personal Item: In addition to carry-on baggage, passengers may carry one smaller personal item (such as a backpack, laptop bag, or shoulder bag) which must be stored under the seat in front of the passenger.

### Checked Baggage

• Airlines have tariff freedom. This means checked baggage allowances may be charged separately. Companies must offer different fare classes (allowing passengers to choose cheaper fares without checked baggage allowance).
• Tariff Transparency: At the time of purchase, the fee corresponding to baggage check-in must be clearly itemized before finalizing the payment.

### Baggage Loss and Damage

• Loss: If the suitcase is not located upon arrival, the passenger must immediately complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR/RIB) in the arrivals hall. The airline has up to 7 days (domestic flights) or 21 days (international flights) to locate and deliver the baggage.
• Reimbursement for Expenses: While baggage is missing (away from the passenger's home), the airline is obligated to reimburse expenses for essential items (hygiene and clothing).
• Damage or Tampering: Passengers have up to 7 days after receiving the baggage to file a complaint for damage or tampering. The carrier must repair the baggage, replace it with an equivalent item, or compensate the passenger.

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In 2026, rules for pet transport are strictly detailed to ensure animal welfare:

• Transport Modes: Transport can occur in the passenger cabin (generally for small dogs and cats, whose weight combined with the kennel/carrier does not exceed the limit of 7 to 10 kg imposed by each airline's policy) or in the cargo hold (for medium and large animals, housed in IATA-approved kennels).
• Required Documentation (Domestic Flights):
• A health certificate issued by a veterinarian registered with the CRMV, valid for 10 days.
• Up-to-date vaccination card proving the rabies vaccine (administered more than 30 days and less than 1 year prior).
• Required Documentation (International Flights): Requires the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), in addition to microchipping and serology according to the destination country's sanitary requirements.
• Service Dogs: Transport of service dogs (assisting visually or mobility-impaired individuals) is exempt from fees. The animal must travel in the cabin, positioned on the floor at the handler's feet, wearing a collar and harness. This does not count as carry-on baggage or toward the standard pet limit.

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ANAC regulations focus on protecting minors and facilitating travel in a family environment:

• Infant Fares: Infants up to 2 years of age (23 months) may travel on a guardian's lap for a nominal fee or free of charge on domestic flights. On international flights, the standard maximum charge is 10% of the adult fare.
• Infant Items Allowance: Airlines must guarantee the free transport of one collapsible stroller or one infant car seat per child, to be checked at the boarding gate or carried in the cabin if space is available in the overhead bin.
• Guaranteed Adjoining Seats: It is prohibited to separate children under 12 from their parents or guardians. Airlines must allocate adjoining seats (side-by-side) free of charge for the minor and at least one responsible adult, without extra fees for seat selection.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Children between 8 and 16 years old may travel unaccompanied on domestic flights by contracting the escort service offered by the airline (optional fee) and presenting judicial authorization or an electronic travel authorization (AEV) registered with a notary. Children under 8 cannot travel unaccompanied under any circumstances.

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Guidelines for assisting Passengers with Special Assistance Needs (PNAE) are governed by ANAC Resolution No. 280:

• Eligible Individuals: The elderly (60+), pregnant women, nursing mothers, individuals accompanied by infants, persons with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities, persons with reduced mobility, or anyone requiring special assistance due to a medical condition.
• Free Mobility Equipment: Passengers with disabilities are entitled to check up to two pieces of personal mobility equipment free of charge (such as electric or manual wheelchairs, crutches, walkers). If the equipment is checked, the company must provide a wheelchair for transport to the aircraft door.
• Companion Discount: When a PNAE requires a companion for essential assistance (per medical analysis), the airline must offer a discount of at least 80% on the companion's ticket, who must travel in the same cabin and in an adjoining seat.
• Request Deadlines and Medical Forms:
• General Assistance (wheelchairs, boarding assistance): Must be requested from the airline at least 48 hours before the flight.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): A medical form completed by the passenger's doctor to confirm travel safety. Must be sent to the airline at least 72 hours in advance.
• FREMEC (Frequent Traveller Medical Card): A medical card for frequent travelers with stable chronic conditions, waiving the need to submit a MEDIF for each flight during its validity (usually 1 year).

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To view the full updated legislation or file complaints, visit the official government portals below:

• Official ANAC Website
• Passenger Rights and Duties Guide (ANAC)
• ANAC Resolution No. 400 (General Conditions of Air Transport)
• ANAC Resolution No. 280 (Accessibility - PNAE)
• Official Platform for Passenger Complaints (Consumidor.gov.br)